Section 6AAA Preview
Playoffs?!? The playoffs are right around the corner. With small-school section tournaments already under and big school section tournaments set to start in the next week, it’s time to turn our attention to the postseason. See Previous Section Previews Here…
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Continue ReadingPlayoffs?!? The playoffs are right around the corner. With small-school section tournaments already under and big school section tournaments set to start in the next week, it’s time to turn our attention to the postseason.
See Previous Section Previews Here
Here’s what you need to know about Section 6AAA:
This section has been dominated by DeLaSalle – along with the rest of the state – and it doesn’t look like this year will be any different. The Islanders are arguably the best team in the state regardless of class as they’ve got maybe the best inside-outside duo in the state. There are a number of other quality teams in this section but unlike in the previous two years, there isn’t another top-five or so team like Orono was.
Favorite: DeLaSalle
The Islanders are as good as it gets. They’ve been the favorite to win the state title since last season ended and thus far, nothing has changed. They are still the runaway favorite. They’ve got excellent talent of course as Tyrell Terry and Jamison Battle are the best at their respective positions in Class AAA and they’ve got excellent complementary guys who can make plays in secondary fashion.
What makes DeLaSalle so good – beyond their overwhelming talent – is how disciplined they are. Elite defense is a staple of the program and that hasn’t changed with head coach Travis Bledsoe running things. They execute at a high level on the offesnive end, getting their best players in the right spots where they can do damage.
And of course it doesn’t hurt to have the best point guard in the state and a four man who looks like he’s already spent two years in a college program.
DeLaSalle is the favorite to win the state title and it would be shocking if they didn’t run through this section on the way to the tournament.
In the Mix: Waconia, Robbinsdale Cooper
For all the Islanders’ dominance, there are teams worth watching in this section.
Robbinsdale Cooper hasn’t been as good as expected but with Jalen Miller and Jalen Justice, they’ve got two excellent guards who can control a game. Cam Vaughn has had a big senior year and There is some young talent worth keeping an eye on.
Waconia has been solid this year and the big reason why is junior wing PJ Hayes. A multi-year varsity starter already, Hayes has taken his game to even another level as an upperclassmen, averaging better than 23 points per game and emerging as one of the best outside shooters in the state. He’s a scoring machine and Waconia plays a solid, disciplined style which means they’ll be in every game they play.
Watch Out For: Mound Westonka
Mound Westonka is heading into the postseason playing extremely well. The White Hawks haven’t played some of the upper-echelon teams in the section, so who knows how they’ll handle the tougher competition but to this point, their season has been a success. Jameson Sexton looks like he’s got a chance to be one of the best guards in the state next year, as he’s turned in a really nice junior season.